Depending on how a log is cut, strikingly different visual effects can be achieved with the wood’s grain and characteristics. Information provided by the Decorative Hardwoods Association identifies six principal methods of cutting veneer are: rotary, quarter slicing, plain slicing, rift cut, half-round and lengthwise slicing.

Rotary veneer is produced by centering the log in a lathe and turning it against a broad cutting knife set into the log at a slight angle. Rotary cut veneer can be sufficiently wide to provide full sheet faces.

Quarter-sliced veneer achieves a straight grain appearance by slicing approximately perpendicular to the annual growth rings.

Plain-sliced veneer is sliced parallel to the center of the log to achieve flat-cut veneer. The inner-most growth rings form the cathedrals as the veneer is cut through the flitch.

Rift-cut veneer is produced from oak, which has medullary ray cells that radiate from the center of the log like curved spokes of a wheel. This straight grain cut is at a slight angle to the medullary rays to minimize ray flake.

Half-round slicing is cutting on an arch roughly parallel to the center of the log. The cathedrals can have more rounded tops since the innermost growth rings form the grain as the veneer is cut through the flitch.

Lengthwise slicing is when a board of flat-sawn lumber is passed flat over a stationary knife, and the sheet of veneer is sliced from the bottom of the board. This produces a variegated figure.

Figure characteristics & types
The figure of the face veneer is of the utmost importance to the designer and architect because the whole character of the completed installation may be determined by the veneer used. When discussing figures in wood, those who deal with veneer usually describe the characteristics of the “movement” in the wood – whether it has a wide or narrow heart, cathedral, crossfire (figure marks running perpendicular to the grain), or is highly figured.

Pictured below are some common figures in veneer.

Source: Decorative Hardwoods Association. For information on hardwood plywood, hardwood veneer, and engineered hardwood flooring, call 703-435-2900 or visit DecorativeHardwoods.org.